Nail Ridges: The Silent Signaling Your Nails Are Trying to Tell You

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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:18 Vertical Ridges
0:46 Horizontal Ridges
1:05 Other causes of nail ridges
1:54 Treatment for nail ridges

Nail ridges, both vertical and horizontal, are a common problem that can make your nails appear uneven and bumpy. While they're usually harmless, they can be an aesthetic nuisance, causing some to feel self-conscious about their nails. If you're struggling with nail ridges, here's what you need to know.

What Are Nail Ridges?

Nail ridges are small, raised lines that appear on the surface of your nails. Vertical ridges typically run from the cuticle to the tip of your nail, while horizontal ridges run across the nail bed. While they can occur at any age, they're more commonly found in older adults.

What Causes Nail Ridges?

Nail ridges can be caused by a variety of factors. Vertical ridges are often a sign of aging and a natural part of the nail's growth process. Other potential causes of vertical nail ridges include genetics, poor nutrition, and trauma to the nail bed.

Horizontal nail ridges, on the other hand, are often caused by more serious health conditions, such as malnutrition or a zinc deficiency. In some cases, they can also be a sign of a systemic illness, such as psoriasis, eczema, or even thyroid disease.

How to Get Rid of Nail Ridges

The good news is that in most cases, nail ridges are harmless and don't require any treatment. However, if you're bothered by the appearance of your nail ridges, there are a few things you can try:

Keep your nails moisturized: Dry nails can exacerbate the appearance of nail ridges, so it's important to keep them moisturized with a high-quality hand cream or nail oil.

Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals can help improve the health of your nails and potentially reduce the appearance of nail ridges.

Use a ridge-filling base coat: Applying a ridge-filling base coat before your nail polish can help create a smooth, even surface on your nails.

See a dermatologist: If your nail ridges are accompanied by other symptoms or you're concerned about an underlying health condition, it's important to consult with a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Final Thoughts

While nail ridges can be an aesthetic nuisance, they're typically harmless and don't require any treatment. However, if you're bothered by their appearance, there are a few things you can try to minimize their appearance. Remember, taking good care of your nails with a healthy diet, moisturizing, and protecting them can help prevent nail ridges from appearing in the first place.

[TK.]

"Talk to a doctor" if only they would take us seriously.

[Aangel]

I had vertical ridges appear over a couple of months and tried a variety of vitamin supplements, it was only when I started Vit C & Iron that the ridges began to disappear!

[cathietonkin]

I have a terrible thyroid condition and have been begging all my doctors to tell me why my nails are in terrible condition, with deep ridges, splitting etc. even thought I drink tons of liquids every single day, take all my vitamins daily with no improvement! Not one doctor has been able to give me an answer! 50 + years of dealing with a thyroid condition and not one doctor has been of any help! Thank you! I’m hopeful I’ll be able to grow my nails out!

[elizabethwakefield]

I just buff them out 😊 I moisturise my hands several times a day, and take multivitamins. I'm almost 60, so age is definitely a factor, but all my blood tests are normal, so I don't stress about it 😊

[rhondakoski]

I've also heard that nail ridges can be caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. I have vertical nail ridges and been taking B12, the ridges are slowly going away.
Hope this helps.

[glennoc]

I've only got vertical ridges in my thumb nails. I asked my doctor and he said don't worry it's very common

[bernardbarroga]

I did talk to my doctor about the ridges in my fingernails and she just said “it can be anything”! It’s like saying “only god knows”! 😳😮🙄😤😡🤬

[TheKevswife]

I have nail ridging and had them for a long time then I was having trouble with my arthritis and after many tests I was diagnosed with Psoriatic arthritis which is connected to Psoriasis. I don’t have the skin condition but. Do have the arthritis. It is very similar to Rheumatoid arthritis where it affects your immune system.

[smorgasbroad]

Mine are reminding me of all the hard work I did with my hands- and the damage done over a 50 yr span. Period.

[eliv.]

Vertical ridges is my thing. I guess it's due to nail polish; it is said now most products are full of toxic ingredients. Great video, clear and on point. 👍😍

[Shari]

Apply a couple of coats of ridge filler. This will help keep them from splitting. Sometimes when they split it'll go into the quick which is really painful. You can buy it in most nail polish sections of the store or go to a beauty supply store that sells to the public and you won't need a license to buy. Like Sallys, I don't know if they're nation wide.

[Meskarune]

I can confirm. I devloped verticle ridges on my nails and blurry vision along with fainting and fatigue. I am so defficient of iron they are doing infusions now.

[thegreypath]

I have had vertical nail ridges all of my life. I have shown them to my doctor, but I have not received any answers. My mother has them also.

[melaniedavis]

I quit using Dawn dish washing detergent, and voila!, my ridges disappeared. The soap was pulling all the natural oils out of my nails!

[notyayanguyen]

i have vertical ridges on my pinkie. it's definitely not from aging considering i'm only 11😂

[jen]

I’ve got ridges…along with PCOS, Hashimoto’s syndrome and iron deficiency. 😢

[TeriLynn]

I have a vertical ridge on one fingernail. 🤷‍♀️ No clue why. I take a multivitamin, eat pretty healthy, my thyroid’s been checked. I’ve had bloodwork done recently and everything is good. I’m guessing it’s due to age and dryness. It’s just weird that it’s only one nail.

[jsluvme]

I've got vertical ridges in my thumbs nails as well but they are actually splitting.

[robertphillips]

Nails are made of proteins called keratins, which are produced naturally by the body as needed. A good supply of quality proteins and fats, as well as mineral cofactors mentioned in the video, are beneficial and even essential. If poor nails are found along with poor skin or hair, it's worth looking at this more closely.

[jessminer]

I had really bad nail ridges...got diagnosed with hemochromatosis and after a year of treatments they look better.